Justin Mason Baseball Chat – June 19th, 2018

Here is today’s transcript from the chat. Lots of Nimmo questions.

9:27
Justin Mason: Hey everyone! Sorry about starting late. It is going to be a shorter chat today (30-40 minutes) as I am fighting a bad cold. I am going to try and skip around to answer a variety of questions today, so I am not answer multiple questions about the same players. Please give me format and size of leagues for context. Just a reminder that I will answer as many questions as I can, but please don’t repeat questions. If I can’t get to your questions then hit me up on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008744507752 or on twitter @justinmasonfwfb.

9:28
Mike: Soroka, Heaney, Bundy, Flaherty, Castillo, Fulmer ROS

9:29
Justin Mason: I lean Heaney, but there is risk that they limit his innings. I don’t know if they can with their lack of depth in the rotation though.

9:30
Jammer: Any hope for Murphy this season? Is snell for him too much given he looks completely hobbled or gamble on the upside ?

9:30
Justin Mason: I think he is a risky gamble. There is upside, but I really prefer Snell going forward.

9:30
Kyle: Rendon, Devers and Andujar who’s next 3 years are the brightest?

9:31
Justin Mason: I think that order is right. Though Devers ceiling is higher. There is a risk they move him off third long term though.

9:31
kyle gibson weed wacking service: Time to drop Cron? Looking at Parra or J.Jay…ughh. 12 tm roto

9:32
Justin Mason: I think I would ride it out with Cron over those guys. He is going to be streaky and you have to be patient. If there are better guys out there in a shallow format, there is no shame in moving on, but Parra and Jay aren’t worth it.

9:32
Julian H.: In a dynasty pts league with a contending roster and no salaries, should I be trading Ohtani for Verlander?

9:32
Justin Mason: yes

9:32
Justin Mason: Play to win now. No one remembers who finished with the best looking roster for the future, but they don’t forget who wins the league.

9:32
kyle gibson weed wacking service: Thanks Justin!

9:32
Justin Mason: LOOOOOOOOL

9:33
Vottomatic: I’m looking to trade some future value to go for it this year in an ON FGPoints league. Lot of interest in my $19 Acuna. What tier OF or MI should I be looking for?

9:34
Justin Mason: I would want a top 20 OF or a top 10 MI. Maybe like a Cain or buy low on Dozier?

9:34
Corey: As bullpens start blowing up (Col, SF) are there any relievers I should target for saves who are not currently closing?

9:36
Justin Mason: Melancon is the easy spec in SF with his contract. Joe Jimenez could get some saves down the line in Detroit if they start to sell pieces. Ottavino is the easy spec in Colorado.

9:36
Kevin: Jon Gray or Andrew Heaney ROS?

9:36
Justin Mason: Heaney. Love Gray’s raw skills, but he makes too many mistakes and can’t seems to recover when he does.

9:37
Matthew: I need another middle infielder for a deep 5×5 league: K.Marte, Ahmed, Pirella, or Jose M. Fernandez?

9:37
Justin Mason: I would ride Marte right now. He has been hot and I think he has a decent mix of floor and upside with playing time.

9:37
Kyle: Worth holding onto Jordan Hicks thinking he could overtake Norris? 12 team pts prioritizing Ks

9:38
Justin Mason: I honestly don’t know that I trust Mike Matheny at all. I love the upside of and he has shown better command, but I don’t know if they turn to him full time.

9:39
Kevin: What are your thoughts on Teheran ROS in a h2h points league?

9:39
Justin Mason: Depends on the scoring structure. He is going to have his blowups, but if the league values innings and strikeouts really heavily, he could be worth the occasional implosion.

9:39
Bo: Gattis or Carlos Santana ROS?

9:39
Justin Mason: Gattis

9:40
Justin Mason: because of the catcher eligibility.

9:40
Kyle: How do you value you draft picks in trades?

9:41
Justin Mason: Depends on the format and how many (if any) keepers there are and how that affects the draft. Typically though, If I am competing, I don’t value picks outside the top 20 or so picks highly.

9:41
Matt: Dynasty roto league. I’m trying to make a run, and have already traded away most of my chips. I’m thinking of trying to build a deal around acquiring a rental Kershaw for a $24 Ohtani keeper (would go to $26, $28, then double). Where abouts does this sit as a foundational idea, and which side, if either needs to add more?

9:42
Justin Mason: I think that is a very fair offer in a keeper. It’s a gamble, but the chance that Ohtani could be out until 2020 is scary.

9:42
Matt: Thoughts on Moose’s future? He started super hot, and has since cooled. Might he be traded somewhere to give him counting stats and make him more useful?

9:43
Justin Mason: I think he will be moved and will be fine. The Braves could use him and his bat would play fantastically in suntrust.

9:43
Matt: Any chance Ottovino becomes a closer?

9:44
Justin Mason: Sure, but I think that Davis has a fairly long leash considering the contract.

9:44
Kyle: What do you think Jimmy Nelson provides this year?

9:45
Justin Mason: Unfortunately, he has progressed slowly. If the Brewers can stay in it, I think he can be a top 30 pitcher once he is back. If the Brewers fade, then they may elect to not bring him back. I am holding onto my shares just in case.

9:45
Vince: Drop Herrera for Seranthony?

9:45
Justin Mason: yes

9:45
Joe: Justin Turner v. Castellanos ROS

9:45
Justin Mason: Castellanos.

9:45
Corey: 10 team NL only roto, Kingery or Rosario ROS?

9:46
Justin Mason: That is tough. I think I lean Kingery, but Rosario has safer playing time.

9:46
Say it ain’t Sano: Ray, Richards, and Buehler all on DL but should be back somewhat soon.  Worth dropping Sano for replacements or just have to wait it out and hope he comes back up soon with better production?

9:47
Justin Mason: I would try and make a trade and see if I could make room that way. Would hate to drop Sano and then see him return after the break and mash against me.

9:47
seth: How do you feel on Bellinger for next year? I am fading in the race and could trade unkeepable Blackmon for Bellinger @ $10 next year (15 team $260 budget)

9:48
Justin Mason: I think he is going to struggle from time to time, but ultimately be a very good player. Would love to get a small piece with him for Blackmon, but that isn’t a bad offer.

9:48
Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: Our league, which has a weekly and yearly transaction cap, has been significantly less active this year in terms of adds and drops. 65% less inactive. What do you think explains this newfound conservative transaction drought? Even the most aggressive add/drop guy has half of the transactions he had at this time last year.

9:49
Justin Mason: Hard to know without knowing the players. Could just be people are being cautious with the caps. I know I tend to run into problems in those leagues because I can be aggressive.

9:49
PM: How do you adjust your personal strategy for roto vs h2h?

9:51
Justin Mason: In head to head, I look for ways to attack the system and the players I am playing more. For instance, in Tout H2H I had been hoarding faab in order for the standings to cement a little and now I am being aggressive there in weeks I am playing the top teams in order to stream lots of 2-start pitchers. I also tend to be more top heavy in my pitching staff while streaming in a lot of two-start guys with the bottom half of my roster.

9:52
Tooge2: I’m in an obp keeper league. Would you trade Soto for Torres? Either one would, I think, end up as a keeper for me. Thanks!

9:52
Justin Mason: I would not. I have Soto far above Torres long term.

9:52
Stevie: Beltre or Simmons in a points league? 12 teams.

9:52
Justin Mason: Simmons.

9:52
Matthew: Thoughts on Nick Kingham? I like the numbers but not sure he’s good enough to use up a bench spot while waiting for another promotion (deep, 14 team).

9:53
Justin Mason: Like the change, but the rest of his pitches are mediocre. Could ride the bus between AAA off and on this year. More of a streamer in a 14-team league.

9:54
Joe: Do you think for Justin Turner gets back to form this year, or does the wrist linger from her on?

9:55
Justin Mason: I am very worried the power won’t return to the same levels personally. Exit velocity is down and barrels aren’t there.

9:55
Matt: I acquired Castillo as a gamble in a trade where I obtained Berrios a month ago. Is it time for me to cut my losses, or should I keep holding out.

9:55
Justin Mason: depends on depth of league. I have him outside my top 50 starters ROS.

9:55
Ohtamendi: Know you’re a big Kyle Gibson guy. Would you add him over Luis Castillo in 10 team league? Or go for castillo’s upside?

9:56
Justin Mason: I would go Gibson unless you are in a position where you need to shoot the moon.

9:56
Ladennifer Jadaniston: Any hope for Yu Darvish this season? Would you drop Chris Taylor for him if you already had Correa, Bregman, Gennett, Lowrie, at MI?

9:56
Justin Mason: There is hope, but I would not drop Taylor for him.

9:56
Minter is Coming: Who would you cut between Greg Bird and Kyle Seager? Seager obviously more polished but bird has higher upside

9:57
Justin Mason: Bird. I just don’t believe

9:57
The New York Press: Are you buying Conforto’s recent adjustments/gains (as reported by me)?

9:57
Justin Mason: I am buying that he can’t be as bad as he had been previously. The question is do the Mets?

9:57
G Money: Thor, can guy ever live up to the hype or be an injury plagued 100-150 inning guy.

9:58
Justin Mason: I think he can, but he may be inconsistent year to year with missing time. The Value will usually be too high for me in most seasons.

9:58
Bubba: Is Nimmo the new Pham?

9:59
Justin Mason: No, but he is a guy that can be extremely valuable. That being said, I don’t trust the Mets org at all and if he struggles a little he could get forced back into a platoon.

9:59
Kyle: 12 team pts and I recently traded away Yelich and kept Nimmo. The trade partner would have taken either. How do you think I fared?

9:59
Justin Mason: I would have preferred to keep Yelich.

9:59
Tiny Tim: Please rank ROS: Hill, Maeda, Mikolas, Heaney

9:59
Justin Mason: reverse order

9:59
Mike Honcho: Who do you like better ROS…D.German or Musgrove?

10:00
Justin Mason: Musgrave because he is safer. Love what German could be in the future though.

10:00
Asking for a friend: Albies/Castellanos for Jose Ram/Justin Turner. Is the upgrade of JRam over Albies enough to take on the Turner risk?

10:00
Justin Mason: I think it is really close, but I am sticking with Albies/Cast

10:00
Champ Al: Points league h2h.. Cervelli or Hicks?

10:00
Justin Mason: cervelli

10:01
Don’tbeaHader: What will Sano be like when he returns?

10:01
Justin Mason: A high power/high strikeout guy.

10:01
Justin Mason: “He is who we thought he was”

10:01
Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie: Keep forever league, I was offered Bregman and Margot for Berrios and E-Rod…Currently rebuilding but already looking like I’m a bit weak on hitting and strong on pitching.  Thoughts?

10:02
Justin Mason: take the hitters and it is not close.

10:02
Nic: Is Soto a top 15 OF ROS?

10:02
Justin Mason: No, but it is closer than I expected.

10:02
fryerfly1: Should I try to flip Kemp and Muncy?

10:02
Justin Mason: Sure, their value is not going to be higher than it is now.

10:02
Hello: Are Albies/Nola going to be keepers in a 4 keeper league? H2H categories OBP

10:02
Justin Mason: Yes

10:03
Brood550: One of the biggest issues with trades in the league is people devalue the crap out of guys they see as “old” regardless of on field performance and injury history.  So like JD Martinez is basically untradeable because of his age it seems.

10:03
Justin Mason: That is unfortunate, but I would try and take advantage the opposite way. Acquire those old guys at a discount.

10:03
Moltar: Too bad Kershaw isn’t being activated to face the Mets. Recent Coors-related hot streak notwisthanding, the Mets can make any pitcher look like a master K artist

10:03
Justin Mason: especially a lefty.

10:04
Brood550: I’m in a 10 teamer with 40 man rosters.  I’m 10-0-1 on the season, top 3 in every category on the season, and we can only keep 20 from year to year.  I would like to consolidate some talent but I’m worried if I do so I would actually be helping my competition.  How would you handle this situation?

10:04
Justin Mason: With a start like that, I think it is a smart thing to do. Just don’t trade with your competition unless you are getting a massive advantage.

10:05
Ted: Where do you rank Kenley Jansen ROS among RP? Are you concerned about his health?

10:06
Justin Mason: I still think he is top three.

10:06
John: Thoughts on Schoop? Is he worth a roster spot on an 8 team al only roto?

10:06
Justin Mason: In AL only, yes

10:06
Al: Dynasty H2H league.. am I trading Robles plus picks for MadBum? Worried Im paying for the name.

10:07
Justin Mason: You are, but he should be decently safe. Depends on the picks and how valuable they are, but play to win.

10:07
iHoB: Are there any SS/3B prospects do you think can come up and be more valuable than Andrelton Simmons in an OBP league? Have Simmons/Breg at SS/3B. Looking for potential upgrades

10:08
Justin Mason: Senzel, Riley

10:08
Justin Mason: though I don’t know that Riley comes up.

10:08
steve: muncy or nimmo?

10:08
Justin Mason: Nimmo

10:08
what’s in the cards?: do you think dexter fowler will turn it around this year? i’m considering dropping him in my keeper league (20 teamer)

10:08
Justin Mason: I have no problem dropping him.

10:09
Alex: What are your thoughts on Carlos Rodon? Just picked him up

10:09
Justin Mason: High risk/high reward. Love the talent, but command is still lacking, he plays in a bad park, and the team sucks.

10:09
Sabo Knows Sabo: I hate catchers. You like Lucroy or Flowers ROS?

10:09
Justin Mason: Flowers.

10:10
I Used to be Mel Clarke: 16 Team, Keep Forever League. You get to keep one of pitcher from the following: Archer, Jon Gray, Buehler, Snell, Paxton. Who do you keep?

10:10
Justin Mason: Snell

10:10
Jeff: What do you think of P.Alonso in a dynasty? Hoskins type upside?

10:11
Justin Mason: I don’t think he quite has Hoskins upside, but could be close and I think he still isn’t a household name yet.

10:12
Justin Mason: Alright everyone, thanks for the chat today. Sorry about the shortness of it, but I will be back for a longer one next week.  hit me up on facebook if I didn’t get to you at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008744507752 or on twitter @justinmasonfwfb.





Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.

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Rainja182
5 years ago

If you were in competition for first place and were near the bottom in ERA/Whip and your rotation consisted of Carlos Carrasco, Noah Syndergaard, Chris Archer, Trevor Bauer, J.A. Happ, Gio Gonzalez, Dallas Keuchel and Jeremy Hellickson, would you be looking for an additional arm or are you hoping that CC, Thor, Archer and Hellickson come back healthy and effective.

I guess my question is: Am I good or should I push for a move?

TheNEW_guy
5 years ago
Reply to  Rainja182

I am assuming Roto, you could try dumping/trading some of those guys and adding some relievers. That should help with whip/era and is basically free. Herrera would be a nice addition as well as other high end set up guys like betances etc